Z.E.N.E.K.O. high-end Run 'n' Gun game for Mega Drive/Genesis/Neo Geo

[masteries]

Well, it's about time we said something. Better to let a video do the talking, here's the first teaser: (Everything you hear and see is what you'll enjoy on the Mega Drive, except for the last section, which is from the Neo Geo version.)

https://youtu.be/Bf4voWPFino

We are two developers who have been working on this game for the Mega Drive/Genesis and Neo-Geo for several years now, at least three. The game is a run-and-gun worthy of having graced the arcades of the mid-90s, standing shoulder to shoulder with Metal Slug and showcasing what this console is capable of. We didn't want to make a port or a mediocre game; we wanted to deliver a true arcade experience for 16-bit machines. The development time is long, for a few reasons... Initially, given the graphic quality we were working with, we only intended it for Neo Geo (the tiles or graphic patterns of the stages are practically never repeated), but shortly after, I became obsessed with investigating how we could make the Mega Drive/Genesis display the same main stages and sprites as the Neo Geo version... To achieve this, we had to create graphics creation and conversion tools from scratch, as well as a game engine (MS3-GE) that would manage the Mega Drive's resources very efficiently and allow us to maximize the machine's computing power and RAM (on the Mega Drive/Genesis, the Z80's 8 KB of RAM are also being used for graphics; but the Z80 itself isn't being used, only its RAM is being utilized).

 
 In addition, the game cartridge features a sound processor
that delivers up to 12 CD-quality stereo digital audio voices.


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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions: What I don't quite understand: 1- Audio output from the cartridge? Where did this oddity come from? Yeah, yeah, the internal audio chip, I know. The game's sound is very high quality, and positional stereo is very important (for example: some enemies announce with a sound which edge of the screen they're going to appear from, and we do that by manually adjusting the stereo; panning the sounds). The headphone jack is for those who want to enjoy the 100% original sound, without the background noise and the distortion, to a greater or lesser degree, introduced by the console's circuitry. That said, the sound also comes out through the console, so that the sound can be enjoyed to each player's liking. 2- Does the game work on any Mega Drive emulator? And is that chip it uses a standard or what? No, the additional hardware included with the cartridge is required. It's a large ROM cartridge, 192 Megabits, and here it's truly utilized, unlike with other titles. The sound processor is a custom design; its firmware has been programmed and tested using three different microcontrollers. In fact, there are three versions of the cartridge, whose components are interchangeable between versions. This is intended to prevent potential component shortages. Of course, this solution, as a precaution, has also increased development time; we prefer to have solutions to potential problems ready-made rather than having to improvise. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This thread will be kept updated.

 Kickstarter campaign will be available soon...

[masteries]

 Update:
   
 Gameplay video
   
 *Regarding game mechanics:
   
   
 =>About machinegun:
   
 There's hardly any visual change; visually,
it only introduces a slight error of +/- a few degrees to the shot.


That's not the main thing... 
   
 The basic weapon only has a 40-round magazine, and it has to be reloaded,
which means you lose a little over a second during which you can't kill anything. 
   
 The machine gun gives you 250 bullets without needing to reload, 
 which can be the difference between losing a life or not. 
   
 If you acquire another machinegun while you already carry one,
 250 more bullets will be added to the counter.
   
 The basic weapon and machine gun have auto-fire enabled; 
 you don't have to mash the controller button to fire.
   
 =>Drinking from bottle
   

There is a slowdown after drinking from the bottle... that's voluntary. Drinking from the bottle provides 10 seconds of slow motion; it's a strategic element. The player decides when to use slow motion (hold down the grenade button, and if a bottle is available, drink and enter slow motion). You have one bottle per life, and you can also collect more bottles.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEY-fyIpmcM



 

[masteries]

Update with third party videos and interview:

2x VIDEO REVIEWS FROM WICKED GAMER & COLLECTORYOUTUBER - THE NETHERLANDS


Wicked Gamer & Collector has published a comprehensive review of the physical Mega Drive / Genesis version of Z.E.N.E.K.O.


The review showcases the product's overall presentation, its premium packaging, and the top-tier quality of its materials—which are 100% sourced and manufactured in Europe. It’s guaranteed to leave an impression!


The reviewer enjoyed the game so much that, instead of just a quick mention, they dedicated two entire videos to it!


The second video dives deep into the gameplay mechanics.


Don't miss out! Come and enjoy this audiovisual spectacle, crafted specifically to deliver an elite gaming challenge.


Will you step up to the plate?


Will you accept the challenge?


Z.E.N.E.K.O. was built for you... designed to push both you and your console to the absolute limit!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0N-YxGtW18



VIDEO REVIEW FROM GAME SACKYOUTUBER - UNITED STATES


Game Sack received our game and was absolutely thrilled with the result.


He called it magnificent in both graphics and sound!


Although fast-paced action games aren't quite his cup of tea, he made the effort to play it, review it, and showcase it to his massive audience.


A huge thank you from everyone at MS3 Research!   hmmm... we are only two  xD


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXv4qsR2wE8&t=1742s





SMART VIDEO REVIEW FROM                SWORD POTION RUN YOUTUBERThis Z.E.N.E.K.O. review shows how exploration and animations drive the story.


Like any great arcade game, it relies on self-narration instead of text-based cutscenes.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ohuYNwPlOY&t=1818s





DEEP VIDEO REVIEW FROM                                      THE SEGA GURU YOUTUBERThe SEGA Guru has tested the Z.E.N.E.K.O. demo based on the Mega Drive/Genesis hversion, it runs on a modified PC emulator (Exodus) configured to support the cartridge's powerful integrated digital audio adapter.


The video highlights the unique gameplay mechanics that set this title apart, such as the 'Slow-time' ability triggered by drinking from your canteen—a critical strategic tool for surviving brutal situations. Ultimately, the choice is yours.


 Will you use it wisely?


Do you have what it takes to defend Earth from these cute, yet formidable, invaders?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Tnik4xRtto







DEVELOPMENT TEAM INTERVIEW FROM                              EL CACHARREO DE BEN YOUTUBEROn this occasion, we bring you an interview with the development team.


You will discover many key details not only about the team itself, but also about the game's development, the incredible technical challenges they face, and the innovative solutions deployed by this tireless team of two.


They also discuss the game's lore and each of the five long, detailed missions that make up the game.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfaUCRK-lr0